Sourdough Pull Apart Cheese Bread
Cheesy garlic bread can also be made w/ a round Italian loaf for a stunning party appetizer.
Ing Homemade sourdough bread is best, but a fresh loaf of sourdough or Italian bread from the store is delicious. Salted or unsalted butter works great. Garlic powder gives the butter a rich, deep flavor, but freshly minced garlic can be used with delicious results. We chose freshly grated parm and shredded mozzarella cheese, but you can use your favorites. We used chopped parsley, but rosemary or thyme would be equally good; experiment with different herbs.
Step-by-step Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the loaf diagonally into 1-inch slices, making sure not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Then, turn the loaf a quarter turn and slice again to create a diamond grid pattern. Place the loaf on a piece of foil on a baking sheet. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the garlic powder. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of the bread slices with the melted garlic butter, stuffing the cracks with shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Wrap the loaf in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake covered in foil 375 deg for 30 min, uncover top, and bake an additional 10 min so cheeses will melt. Best enjoyed hot, so serve right away with a side of marinara, pesto, or pizza sauce for dipping.
Best part. You can assemble the pull-apart cheese bread a day ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Chef Tips Use a sharp, serrated knife when slicing crusty artisan-style loaves for best results. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains a coating that keeps the shreds separated and causes melted cheese to clump. Shred your own cheese for best results.